7-week training and individual development program for players planning to attend Cannons tryouts in January.

Winter workouts are designed to help players to get a head start on the spring/summer season. Get in front of the Cannon’s coaching staff while getting a jump on the competition. Players from all levels are invited to attend.

Prepare yourself properly for tryouts! Work on all aspects of the game and have fun doing it!

Program to be run by Senior Cannons coach Mike Abate - along with other instructors and coaches on the Cannons staff.

- Two days per week: one day on indoor field, one day in batting cages

- Individual batting

- Pitching mechanics

- Catcher-specific drills and training

- Footwork drills for all positions

- Speed and agility drills

- Video evaluations

- Off season training lessons to execute on your own

Workouts schedule as follows leading up to the Cannons 2019 tryouts on Friday, January 25 and Saturday, January 26:

December 2018:

Tuesday - 6:30-8:00pm

December 4th, 11th, 18th

Saturday - 9:30-11:00am

December 8th, 15th, 22nd

January 2019:

Tuesday - 6:30-8:00pm

January 8th, 15th, 22nd

Saturday - 9:30-11:00am

January 5th, 12th, 19th

No sessions during holiday break - December 25th, 29th & January 1st.

Location:

Bobby Valentine's Sports Academy - New Location and Expanded Facility

4 Largo Drive

Stamford, Connecticut

Cost:

$499 per player (Equates to just $27/hr of instruction). Each group limited to 12 players. Credit card payments accepted.

One of the most celebrated athletes to come out of Fairfield County, Mike has had an illustrious baseball career that was cut short only by injury. Along with his valuable professional experience, Mike brings outstanding skills and an even more impressive baseball resume:

As a four-year starter at Norwalk High School, Mike was named to the All-Conference team three years in a row, while twice earning All-State recognition

After his career at Norwalk High, Mike was drafted by the California Angels, but he felt it was more important to continue his athletic development

Mike took his passion for baseball to Norwalk Community College where he quickly amassed a number of honors including included two-time Northeast Player of the Year, two-time First Team All-American, and 1998 Rawlings National Junior College Player of the Year

After setting a number of school records at NCC, Mike decided to sign with the Seattle Mariners to pursue his professional baseball dream. Mike played in the Mariners organization for three years before his career was cut short by injury.

After his professional career ended abruptly, Mike enrolled at Southern Connecticut State University where he did what many people would consider impossible. Showing the drive that made him such a phenomenal baseball player, Mike fulfilled his dream to play college football by first earning a position on the SCSU football team and subsequently becoming the starting quarterback

Not only did Mike make the successful transition to football, but he again demonstrated his significant athletic talents, twice making the All-Northeast 10 team, as well as finishing his two-year stint having shattered a number of school records

Mike then took his football passion to the next level, signing to play quarterback with the Manchester Wolves of the Arena Football League